Kangaroo harvesting for commercial purposes will increase over the next three months as a pilot program looks to help reduce numbers in response to drought measures. The South Australian Government has pledged $25,000 for the project, which will give participating farmers the chance for additional income as well as help them with the environmental pressures of high kangaroos numbers. The program will also see an expansion of the current harvest zone and an increase in the number of species which can be taken for processing. Minister for Primary Industries Tim Whetstone said farmers were having to deal with the drought as well as high kangaroo numbers. "This pilot will identify landholders whose properties are not only experiencing drought conditions but also the impact of high kangaroo populations and the associated impacts on land and feed base," Mr Whetstone said. "If the pilot is successful, the State Government plans to implement a broader program." Department for Environment and Water chief executive officer John Schutz said the high number of kangaroos had prompted a review of the current management plan. "We are suggesting that the commercial harvest zone be expanded from South Australia's pastoral area to also cover Yorke Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and the South East," Mr Schutz said. "Surveys will be conducted to determine population estimates for each species in each harvest sub-region so that quotas can be set before kangaroos are harvested. This will ensure that populations are managed sustainably. Landholders interested in taking part in the trial should contact Livestock SA on 8297 2299 or email admin@livestocksa.org.au read about the proposed changes and provide feedback on the updated South Australian Commercial Kangaroo Management Plan at: https://yoursay.sa.gov.au. Feedback closes on September 6, 2019.

Kangaroo harvest set to expand

Kangaroo harvesting for commercial purposes will increase over the next three months as a pilot program looks to help reduce numbers in response to drought measures.

The South Australian Government has pledged $25,000 for the project, which will give participating farmers the chance for additional income as well as help them with the environmental pressures of high kangaroos numbers.

The program will also see an expansion of the current harvest zone and an increase in the number of species which can be taken for processing.

Minister for Primary Industries Tim Whetstone said farmers were having to deal with the drought as well as high kangaroo numbers. "This pilot will identify landholders whose properties are not only experiencing drought conditions but also the impact of high kangaroo populations and the associated impacts on land and feed base," Mr Whetstone said.

"If the pilot is successful, the State Government plans to implement a broader program."

Department for Environment and Water chief executive officer John Schutz said the high number of kangaroos had prompted a review of the current management plan.

"We are suggesting that the commercial harvest zone be expanded from South Australia's pastoral area to also cover Yorke Peninsula, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and the South East," Mr Schutz said.

"Surveys will be conducted to determine population estimates for each species in each harvest sub-region so that quotas can be set before kangaroos are harvested.

This will ensure that populations are managed sustainably.

Landholders interested in taking part in the trial should contact Livestock SA on 8297 2299 or email admin@livestocksa.org.au

read about the proposed changes and provide feedback on the updated South Australian Commercial Kangaroo Management Plan at: https://yoursay.sa.gov.au. Feedback closes on September 6, 2019.